Hi,
I’m new on here, but have been learning both 3DS Max (3DS Fundamentals) and Zbrush for a while now. Anyway, I’ve been thinking about getting a tablet instead of using a mouse, which makes modeling rather difficult - at least for me, who is used to using a pen 
Could I ask what you guys use as far as tablets goes and what to look for, if you use a tablet at all?
Thanks in advance, and great forum.
Henrik Larsen
hey man, the whole transition to the pen can be a bit difficult at first, just keep at it and eventually u’ll want nothing else. If you have a pen with buttons make sure you bind them with the correct mousebuttons (I use maya so I have middlemouse and rmb on there) I use a Intuos 3 A5 Wide, never dissapointed me
I have a wireless Wacom tablet but I never use it simply because the buttons on the tablet are in a really awkward position (top center).
So if you want to sit back in your chair while you work then make sure to get a tablet that has many configurable buttons down the left side (if you’re right hander).
It really depends on your budget. If you just want to try it out, I recommend the Wacom Bamboo. It’s small, but has all the features you need in a tablet and it’s not too terribly expensive, so if it’s not for you, you’re not out a crap load.
The next step is the Intuos series, which come in larger sizes, with more features. It also supports different advanced stylus, like the airbrush. I’m not certain a large pad is necessary for 3d modeling, but I do illustrations, so larger is generally better.
Lastly, there’s the Cintiq line, which has a built in LDC screen in the tablet. I was skeptical about this concept, since I was able to work just fine with a regular tablet. I got one and found that my work wasn’t any better, but I was able to do it much faster. If you get paid to do the work, the Cintiq is a must, and pays for itself in the time savings.
I got the Cintiq 12wx, because I wanted to be able to put the tablet in my lap; the larger ones were a bit impractical for that. It litterally paid for itself in saved time, allowing me to do more work, in the first week I had it.
There’s the basics. Hope that helps.
Switching over to pen takes a bit to get used to, but if you paint and draw often then definitely invest in a tablet. I find that modeling in Maya/Max/Sketchup any program with standard modeling methods other than ZBrush, its easier to use a mouse but with ZBrush specifically the tablet is great and speeds up the process. If you are new to the tablet, than I agree with thudgun - purchase a Wacom Bamboo, but if you are feeling confident that tabletting is for you - invest and pick up an Intuos, they are solid pieces of equipment. I’ve had a Wacom Graphire for 5 years now, and it’s still amazing.
I never use a mouse unless I have to. Some programs just don’t play well with the pen. the unreal3 viewer is quirky with a pen as well as the 3d viewer inside of xNormal, just to name a few.
Thanks for the replies so far. Now, with that: what do you pay for, as far as differences go? I weren’t going to spend a lot, initially, since I always think it’s a good idea to start simple, so as to appreciate a better one later on. Are they all pressure-sensitive, or are some simply for ‘straight lines’? Pardon my cluelessness here…
HL
Go with the Bamboo by Wacom. It’s pretty inexpensive and yes, it is pressure sensitive. You can find them for about $70 ay places like Newegg.
I bought a Vistablet, thinking it’s 29 programmable macro buttons would be great. Well, they could be, but I found that I am so much quicker with the keyboard shortcuts that I have used for years. That being said, the tablet itself works great for me. It has 1024 levels of sensitivity and a very large working area (about 6x10). Cons are: battery in the pen, no eraser. But I am willing to deal with that for the price I paid (about $89) ordered through Amazon.com
I’ve never gotten the hang of using a tablet in 3ds Max. When I use a mouse, I use ALT+LMB to rotate my view around, but if I try that with a tablet it just draws marquee selection boxes. I think you would have to use the CTRL+R hotkey to enter orbit mode…which I don’t like.
max navigation
mmb = pan
mmb + alt = rotate
mmb + ctrl + alt = zoom
Just to round everything off: I got a Bamboo tablet today, tried it in Zbrush and what a difference it makes - works great. Thanks for the advice on here, and good day to you all!
HL
So if i got a tablet with the built in LCD screen would i be able to see zbrush on that screen and “draw” on it ? if so that would be so sweet I know other programs have that ability I am just curious if Z is compatible that way. If it is im picking one up immediatly
Basically Yes. However, depending on the person it might not work well.
The Large but cheaper ones might not be artistically orientated,
while the ones that do, simply too expensive
When I tried the 12xCintiq, it`s just too small to work effectively, so I have to look back at the main monitor, but some guy just like to use them.
Also, since it`s also a LCD, it got shorter life span than tablet.